Grosvenor has partnered with local dealer York Ward & Rowlatt to provide customers with instant access to Leapmotor electric vehicles.

This collaboration will make Leapmotor’s T03 and C10 models (see review here) available on both personal contract hire (PCH) and business contract hire (BCH) agreements.

Under the agreement, Wellingborough-based York Ward & Rowlatt will be the supply partner for Grosvenor’s customers. Grosvenor will establish the fleet terms and York Ward & Rowlatt will supply the Leapmotor vehicles, ensuring efficient access for clients.

Lee Brown, managing director of Grosvenor, said it was a great opportunity to bring an exciting, reliable EV brand to the firm’s contract hire and fleet management customers.

“This partnership allows us to source the ideal vehicles for fleets or personal contract hire customers that offer exceptional value for money while being fit for purpose,” he elaborated.

“These cars are stylish and drive well, and having access to them should prove advantageous as the brand becomes more popular in the UK. We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers the latest vehicles at affordable prices, which is essential in this day and age.”

Chinese brand Leapmotor was founded in 2015 and is focused on providing affordable electric mobility. The brand’s T03 and C10 vehicles feature high levels of technology and specification as standard, with a single, streamlined trim level for each model.

Leapmotor’s UK debut earlier this year is part of a joint venture with Stellantis, the parent company of familiar fleet brands such as Vauxhall, Peugeot and Fiat. This partnership draws on Stellantis’ century of experience in the UK market, with York Ward & Rowlatt signed up as one of more than 40 dealers nationwide ready to support the brand’s growth.

Dan Robinson, franchise director at York Ward & Rowlatt, said: “As a new brand in the UK, this partnership gives Leapmotor a significant presence in the fleet sector, and we expect to fulfil many deals and boost their presence as one of the most reliable EV brands on the market to date.”

York Ward & Rowlatt has also reported booming interest in Leapmotor models after the carmaker announced its self-funded ‘Leap-Grant’ to provide a discount to customers. Its vehicles, as with some other Chinese-made EVs, are not expected to qualify for the new government-backed Electric Car Grant, but the introduction of the inhouse grant has already seen a surge in demand.

Dan Robinson added: “We saw a flurry of interest in the showroom when Leapmotor announced their self-funded ‘Leap-Grant’ discount. There was a fantastic buzz in the dealership, and I think when the price is right, people are willing to take the plunge into EVs.”